Reviewed by Graeme Crawford

The fifth album from the Pennsylvania-based metalcore act sees them continue their metamorphosis from the grittier hardcore sound to a more melodic metal approach. Not that this is a fully successful change as the best songs here have retained the harder edge, such as opener and closer "Immortal" and "Unite". The overall sound is something akin to Swedish melodic death metal giants In Flames and Soilwork. Sometimes there just isn't enough distinction between the tracks to make them stand out from each other, however the songs do work well together as an album, and the musicianship is as impressive as usual. One of the best things about War Of Ages has always been their ability to write Christ-focussed, hope-filled, uplifting lyrics without resorting to cliché. This skill remains in abundance here, with positive lyrics throughout ("Salvation bought by the blood of your hands/I am free, you are living free"; "I Will never turn my back on you, bearing the weight of the world"; and "I felt peace in my heart from the moment your words came from out of the dark"). 'Return To Life' may not be their best work, but it is also not a step backwards and is an uplifting album.

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